New site of the European hamster (Cricetus cricetus) in the urban environment of Kosice city (Slovakia)

摘要

Over the years 2009-2012, an unusual occurrence of the European hamster (Cricetus cricetus) in an urban green area of Kosice city (Kosice Public Cemetery, Kosice-South town district, 484 r40.3"N, 2ri5'37.3"E, the Slovak Republic) was recorded. The observation site was a green area in a strongly anthropogenically altered environment with the size of about 24 ha (with 22 parcels) and has a character of a park. A total of 15 individuals of the species and 33 burrow systems in the year 2012 were observed. The data obtained indicated that despite the pressure from predators and mortality of individuals, there is a successful long-term surviving micro-population. Successful reproduction of the species in the study area was confirmed as well.